Wellington Sevens GM Said The Event Is 'Unlikely' To Ban Alcohol

New Zealand's Wellington Sevens tournament GM Steve Walters said it is "unlikely" the event will be forced to go alcohol-free in the future, according to Daniel Richardson of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The ongoing debate about drinking at the annual February event was reignited when veteran commentator Keith Quinn said on the radio that the "actions of punters at the Wellington event were getting worse." Quinn lobbied for a dry zone in the Westpac Stadium concourse "in the late afternoon until the early evening" during the annual tournament. People would be able to buy alcohol on the concourse but would have to take it back to their seat to drink it. Walters "poured cold water" on the suggestion of a dry concourse, on the basis that ti would be tough to manage. He said that he could not see a time "where booze wouldn't be available at the event." The event is part of the nine-leg world series that gets underway again next month. Westpac Stadium includes a 'Family Zone' and will also host a 'Rugby Zone' for the first time next year "where fans who want to watch the action on field rather than socialise can sit" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 9/20).